Do you remember a moment in your life when you felt really powerful? Perhaps you were embarking on an exciting adventure with gusto or courageously moving to an unfamiliar place with great expectations. You may have acted in the face of fear, overcoming anxiety, or successfully achieved a goal in spite of challenging circumstances.
There is tremendous energy that rises within us when we exert our power. However, that energy surge can be very seductive, hence with much power comes much responsibility. On the other hand, without understanding true power, we can give it away, let others take our power from us, or simply live life without utilizing it to help us maximize our life experience.
In today's world, the concept of power is most often associated with financial wealth, political influence, and fame. Reality television programs highlight people expressing their power, often glorifying their difficult temperament and ability to fulfill even their most unusual or outrageous demands and desires. The media is quick to glamorize this concept of power through the persistent coverage of the rich and famous.
The media is also swift to report what they perceive as the abuse of power in regards to advantages enjoyed by few such as special preference in legal matters. The old expression "money talks" is certainly apparent throughout the legal system and society as a whole. It's not surprising that a majority of the population equates power with money. Money can certainly help open doors, solve specific problems, and provide you with wonderful opportunities. However, we have all seen examples of those who enjoy bountiful incomes and beautiful homes, yet still lack happiness.
Why is that? Understanding what true personal power is gives you the ability to actively create the life experience you desire, including the dynamics of your relationships, work environment and overall perspective. Harnessing your power enables you to enjoy a fulfilling life in every way, maximizing the joy you can gain from your financial achievement.
How do you spend your free time? When I lived in Massachusetts years ago, I had neighbors that were always complaining about not having enough time to relax. They had a big beautiful backyard full of lounge chairs that they rarely used. Once the weekend came, not only were their days filled with obligations that took them away from home, they often socialized with people they didn't enjoy spending time with. They expressed frustration with the fact that they had no choice but to attend all these events, hence their summers seemed to fly by without them spending their time the way they truly desired.
How often do you say yes to something when you really want to say no? Have you ever thought about why you make commitments you'd rather not have to fulfill?
When was the last time you took time to assess what is most important to you? Do you ever ask yourself what you really want? This is the beginning of tapping into your own power because power is simply choice. If you want to create the life you envision, you must choose it, which often means saying no to things that do not fit into the picture you've envisioned.
Understanding your power is fully appreciating that you always have a choice; you always have the power to choose. Embracing your power and utilizing it to help you manifest whatever outcome you envision or desire makes all the difference in your life experience. There are certainly choices you may not make as a result of their outcomes, however you always have the power to make them.
When you commit to making choices that are not based on guilt, perceived obligation, societal pressures, or the desire to please someone, you begin being in your power and exercising your power to choose. Once you begin making choices that are aligned with what you desire, your life will begin evolving in an exciting way.
For example, a client of mine was feeling extremely frustrated at work because he wasn't utilizing what he believes to be his greatest skills in his current department. Whenever he passively mentioned his desire to work in another area to his supervisors, he was told he should apply himself to achieve success, hence greater enjoyment from his current assignments. When he spoke with me, he was frustrated and felt stuck; even worse, he felt powerless. Once we explored what his greatest skills were and how he could best contribute to the company, we developed a game plan.
First, he needed to choose to make his desired field of work a priority. He was not stuck unless he gave away his power by deciding that he had no choice but to continue working in an area that was not fulfilling. We identified that the best-case scenario included him transferring to another department; the worst-case scenario meant he'd continue doing what he was doing until he could find another job elsewhere that would enable him to do what he has a passion for.
He prepared a brief verbal proposal to the owner of his company reminding him why he was hired, stating how much more he could bring to the company if he was using his best skills. He chose to step out and create the change he desired. Much to his surprise, his proposal was met with total optimism. He was given three days to develop an idea that would warrant his transfer; in one day, he returned with an incredible concept. In less than a week, he manifested the position he dreamed of in spite of early opposition from his managers. He went from dreading work and feeling tired each day to waking up early with enthusiasm about what he could create.
When we are in the pursuit of our dreams, it's common to feel frustrated in the face of challenges. While we can never know exactly how long our dreams will require to manifest, we must remember we are not powerless. We always have a choice. Just as you make choices about what you're going to wear, you can choose how to apply yourself, when to consider a job change, career change or the nature of your relationships with others. You can choose to turn down invitations you'd prefer not to accept. Most importantly, you can choose to adhere to your own vision for life and make choices that support the successful realization of your dreams.
Harness your power of choice and choose to thrive! Next month we'll explore how the power of choice relates to your relationships as we examine how to set yourself up for a winning relationship. Email me at charly_organic@yahoo.com today to schedule a personal coaching session that will launch you forward so you can manifest what you dream of? today!
